Town tables Clark Lake Report

February 22, 2018

By Jim Eadie

Four recommendations have come from Bancroft’s water source protection report including closing the Clark Lake boat launch.

Bancroft deputy clerk and economic development officer Lianne Sauter presented council with the Clark Lake Report at its regular meeting Feb. 13. The 45-page report summarized the issue of protecting the lake — the town’s water source — from a potential zebra mussel infestation and featured results from public consultation.

“We have to take precautions to protect our water supply,” said Councillor Mary Kavanagh. “That water plant cost us $8 million. You can’t get rid of zebra mussels once they’re in there. There would be big costs to our water supply to deal with an infestation… We can’t afford any change.”

Council was recommended to:

request that Hastings County amend its Source Water Protection Plan, completed in 2016, to include the Town of Bancroft, as this would result in a comprehensive report that would include provisions on how to best protect source water.

prepare a bylaw amendment to the Town of Bancroft Comprehensive Zoning bylaw to prohibit a public boat launch in the Source Water Protection Zone. Sauter noted a bylaw would be prepared to stop boats and trailers from being put in the water. Questions arose about definitions of boats and watercrafts and that they must be defined in the bylaw. Additionally, as this is an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning bylaw, the Planning Act requires 20 days public notice before enactment. Sauter noted that there is no plan to close the driveway to the lake. In hopes of getting ahead of the boating season, council voted that staff be directed to bring forward the bylaw before March — including a special meeting if necessary. Any change to the bylaw at that time would again require a further 20 days public notice.

undertake a targeted education campaign on source water protection and invasive species, including signage at Clark Lake, social media postings and area media communications.

host two open houses, daytime and evening, for the purpose of educating all interested residents about Source Water Protection and invasive species. This should also include Quinte Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and Bancroft Area Stewardship Council.